The Russians have stepped up to every challenge at Rugby World Cup 2011 with hearts the size of bears.
In tonight's match v Ireland, the work rate of Russian scrum half Alex Yanyushkin was nothing short of phenomenal. Actually, I'm not sure I've seen a scrum-half as tenacious at the scrum-base, breakdown or in open play as what Yanyushkin is....
Which is made all the more impressive for a man who stands 165cm tall, tips the scales at 75kg and is without doubt, the smallest man in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
However, Yanyushin's ability to bring down the biggest men on the pitch with a decidedly effective jumper-wringing technique reminiscent of a tenacious terrier (think Jack Russell), is a timely reminder that these contests aren't really about the size (although I'm sure the Argentinians would disagree) of the fight, but the fight in the player that matters.
Sounds corny I know, but tenacious is a label that could also be slapped on the back of Melbourne Rebel and Yanyushkin's Russian team-mate, Adam Byrnes. Who holding the opposite end of the Russian measuring tape at squad weigh-ins, gave the Irish plenty of niggle and the Russians a certain degree of insight upfront.
Of all the Rugby World Cup games I have watched so far, the Russian's 'we refuse to get rattled by the scoreboard' performance was some of the most enjoyable rugby to date. Was it the most technically brilliant?
No. As you would expect of a team ranked 21 in the world, there are some key areas for skills development. Nor was it the smash and 'tickle' tactics that made it inspiring.
Rather, the commitment of the Bears to play to the very end and not give up... even when Ireland crossed for three tries in five minutes.
Lesser teams would have thrown their hands up in the air in defeat (and their pride along with it) and let the Irish run riot.
Which makes me wonder... are we witnessing the rise of Russian Rugby?
For all our sakes, let's hope so. But for now, it seems fitting to celebrate Yanyushkin's - the terrier in the bright green boots - posting into the Rugby Almanac as the first player to score a Rugby World Cup try in the Russian jersey!
With tickets in hand, and Nelson bound... даваи рoссия!
In tonight's match v Ireland, the work rate of Russian scrum half Alex Yanyushkin was nothing short of phenomenal. Actually, I'm not sure I've seen a scrum-half as tenacious at the scrum-base, breakdown or in open play as what Yanyushkin is....
Which is made all the more impressive for a man who stands 165cm tall, tips the scales at 75kg and is without doubt, the smallest man in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
However, Yanyushin's ability to bring down the biggest men on the pitch with a decidedly effective jumper-wringing technique reminiscent of a tenacious terrier (think Jack Russell), is a timely reminder that these contests aren't really about the size (although I'm sure the Argentinians would disagree) of the fight, but the fight in the player that matters.
Sounds corny I know, but tenacious is a label that could also be slapped on the back of Melbourne Rebel and Yanyushkin's Russian team-mate, Adam Byrnes. Who holding the opposite end of the Russian measuring tape at squad weigh-ins, gave the Irish plenty of niggle and the Russians a certain degree of insight upfront.
Of all the Rugby World Cup games I have watched so far, the Russian's 'we refuse to get rattled by the scoreboard' performance was some of the most enjoyable rugby to date. Was it the most technically brilliant?
No. As you would expect of a team ranked 21 in the world, there are some key areas for skills development. Nor was it the smash and 'tickle' tactics that made it inspiring.
Rather, the commitment of the Bears to play to the very end and not give up... even when Ireland crossed for three tries in five minutes.
Lesser teams would have thrown their hands up in the air in defeat (and their pride along with it) and let the Irish run riot.
Which makes me wonder... are we witnessing the rise of Russian Rugby?
For all our sakes, let's hope so. But for now, it seems fitting to celebrate Yanyushkin's - the terrier in the bright green boots - posting into the Rugby Almanac as the first player to score a Rugby World Cup try in the Russian jersey!
With tickets in hand, and Nelson bound... даваи рoссия!
